One Heck Of a Year

Taking a chance, choosing a new road, mapping out a new destination for an art career--these things have filled 2019 to the brim for me. All are exciting, challenging and a bit daunting. Like the many paths we hike on there are easy ways, narrow and cluttered ways, and they always are going up (mountain hiking). Once you're at the top you find a remarkable reward, not unlike the above spectacular view in this photograph I took. The year's journey has been nothing but rewarding.   

I would like to share with you some of the paintings and locations where I have shown my work in the last 8 months in my new North Georgia home. I am truly blessed and grateful for the wonderful opportunities that have presented themselves to me. I am especially grateful to my followers, collectors, friends and fellow artists who have been along for this wonderful ride I have taken.  

Happy Holidays and joy to you all.

"Winter Woods" watercolor on paper

Exhibited at The Quinlan Visual Arts Center Member Juried Exhibition 

Gainesville GA

 "October Leaves and Grasses"

Exhibited at The Georgia Art League Color Theory Judged Exhibition and 

The Bowen Art Center Fall Juried Exhibition

Gainesville GA and Dawsonville GA 

"Coming Home" watercolor on paper 

Exhibited at The Bowen Art Center Fall Juried Exhibition

Dawsonville GA 

"Three Together" watercolor on paper

Exhibited at The Bowen Art Center Fall Juried Exhibition

Dawsonville GA

"Edge of Autumn" watercolor on paper

Exhibited at The Downtown Gallery Fall/Holiday Juried Exhibition

Cartersville, GA

"Remains of An Empire" watercolor on acrylic paper

Exhibited at Tannery Row Art Colony Juried Fall Exhibition

Buford GA

"Early Morning Meeting" watercolor on paper

​Exhibited in “Reflections” 2019 National Pen Women Juried Art Exhibition

Quinlan Visual Arts Center, Gainesville, GA

 "Windswept" watercolor on gessoed coated paper

"The Red Gate" oil on canvas panel

Both Exhibited and awarded prizes 

Georgia Art League Color Theory Judged Exhibition 

Gainesville GA

"Market Day" watercolor on paper

"Rush Hour" watercolor on paper

Both Exhibited Gadsden Art Associational Juried Exhibition

Gadsden AL Museum of Art

"You Can Never Have Too Much Garlic" watercolor on paper

"Yellow Pears in a Blue Glass Bowl" watercolor on paper

Both exhibiting in venues in historic downtown Norcross GA

Too see more of my work please visit my website:

Krys Pettit Artist

Monet Didn't Do Housework (The Need To Focus)

I have a marvelous book in my collection, “Monet at Giverny” by Caroline Holmes. In addition to splendid photography of Monet’s gardens and work it has wonderful information about how he worked in his studios and outdoors in Giverny, France. 

The chapter “The mind of an artist” was of particular interest to me. It gave insight on Monet’s daily routine.  He rose early around 4 or 5 a.m.  His main focus was how the sky would look, thinking of how his work outdoors would be affected. He bathed, had a hearty breakfast at 5:30 a.m. and went off to paint with the assistance of family members (who no doubt helped lug the equipment).  Returning at 11:00 a.m. he insisted lunch be served promptly at 11:30. Coffee, plum brandy and a nap were next in order.  After that he would assess the day, working outdoors or in his studio. Dinner was served at 7:00 p.m. and he would turn in early.  Apparently any deviation from this timetable was not welcome and he was known to get a bit cranky when things swerved off their usual schedule.  I had the pleasure of visiting Giverny and Monet’s gardens and I imagined what it would be like to trudge along after the master when his day began, and what the meals were like in the rambling home. 

Of course, Monet did not do housework. At this time men were not known to take a turn at the stove, the dusting or the laundry. He had family and hired help to assist in the momentous task of maintaining a household, feeding a large family, and keeping up his gardens. Lack of domestic chores aside what struck me was his dedication to a schedule. He focused on his art, his method, the organization of his day and sticking to a rigid timetable.  

Domestic duties are typically shared by my spouse and myself in the 21st century. We both have our own creative businesses and respective studios in our home.  My husband is one of the kindest and most dedicated partners I could ever want, always willing to help, to assist with the chores. But when it comes to his work, he focuses. And yet I always seem to have a harder time keeping in focus with my  art work and schedule.

Distractions abound.  The dishwasher, the clothes washer, the dryer, house cleaning. Meals need to be prepped.  And what about the birds, someone has to feed them and gosh if its not done right away, they may just get feisty.  Oh my goodness it is getting colder (hotter) and I need to sort out my seasonal wardrobe. And let us not forget the house badly needs repainting and colors need to be picked. In addition throw in  the damning time sucking creatures of the internet and Social Media looming in the corners, tempting me.  What’s an artist to do?

How we focus on our art is a challenge with day to day duties even when you work out of your house.  Because connecting online can be so disconnecting the constant interruptions to my creative flow are in essence killing my work. Rethinking schedules and treating my creative and marketing business flow on a daily basis needs to be as rigid as if I were still in a conventional job, punching in a veritable time clock.  I am grateful and fortunate to work full-time in my art business. As disciplined and rigid as I am with my techniques I find I need to focus and “double-down” even more and concentrate on not being distracted. By anything. It’s a job, my job and I am lucky to have it.

As an afterthought maybe channeling Claude Monet and his reflecting on his schedule and body of work is a good way to focus on disciplining myself. A trip to France and Giverny probably couldn’t hurt — hey maybe I need to take a break and research air fares! (baby steps...baby steps...)

For more of my art and a look at my other blogs please visit my website:

https://www.kryspettit.com/trees--landscapes---buildings.html

So You Think You Want to Paint

A small sampling of my painting tools

On occasion I have been honored to have a friend or follower ask if I could teach them to paint in watercolor or to teach them to paint like I do. I have been fortunate to be able to share my experience of 25+ years of painting with a few select students. My skill set is at a certain level because I researched and learned from the best in my area. If you are interested in leaning about art and painting you too can find a wealth of resources in your area that will build your skills and turn an interest into a rewarding hobby with a legacy for your family and friends, or perhaps a full-time or part-time career.

I recommend above all to find a reliable teacher or class where you can learn in person with the guidance of an instructor.  Art in all its forms is a series of techniques, a bit of chemistry and science combined with a creative instinct. But above all you need to know what the tools are, what they can do, and yes, some of the rules.

I illustrated here how to mix colors from 3 pigments 

One of my students exploring the 3 basic watercolor pigments -- working it is the only way to learn

Painting on site, Leu Gardens, Orlando FL

I was painting and drawing as a child but never had the luxury of guided instruction until my 40's when I found a local continuing education art school in my community and a wonderful teacher who taught me the correct way to use watercolor.









That was over 25 years ago and the basics I learned in her classes have carried me through the mediums of oil, acrylic, pastel and basic drawing.

Painting outdoors at Polasek Gardens, Winter Park, FL

You can find reasonably priced classes that are geared to beginners at local craft and hobby stores, adult community centers, and sometimes 4-year and community colleges.  Check out the local art groups and art organizations -- many have classes given by members and they often bring in top teaching talent from around the world. But start out with the basics before you put out hundreds of dollars for a three or five day intense workshop.

Painting and drawing technique books in my library

Once you learn some technique you can explore your local library -- many have superb collections of how to art books and books on famous artists and museums. It is remarkable how much you can learn and absorb by constantly looking at art, all forms of art.

Artist biographies and art history are a big part of my library

I have a large collection of art technique books artist biographies, and art collection books that I have purchased over decades. I still refer to them for methods and ways to work around a problem.
You also an score some great finds in used book stores, thrift shops and book sales at libraries and antique stores.






I believe in not buying too many art supplies but buying only the best quality.  As you are learning your craft you can use student grade supplies but I recommend you upgrade to better, professional quality materials shortly after you master some technique. These materials may be pricier but they will give you the results you want.  You don't need much -- only the best basics. Large box art and craft stores are a help with their weekly coupons and online suppliers like Jerry's Artarama, Blick, and Cheap Joes are my favorite go-to places for the best quality art items online -- and they run great sales.

Some of the professional watercolor pigments I use faithfully

Best for last but only to be used once you've had experience with a live class or instructor, is, of course the Internet and YouTube.  Forums, discussions, artists' websites, art supply manufacturers, so many options are out there once you start digging. Not everyone is well known and some are better than others but you will find artists are very generous and very open to sharing their knowledge online. Below are some of the artists I have followed, liked and recommend on YouTube for beginning and intermediate painters:


Angela Fehr Watercolour
Angela lives in beautiful Canada and has a marvelous way of teaching that is easy to follow and very fresh.  She works hard on presenting materials that let you learn but allows your own personal style to show through.


Bob Ross
So many of us have a love for Bob even if you are not a painter or an artist. He makes painting in oil look easy and approachable so anyone can do it. But you will also pick up a few tricks for him for lots of other things besides how to paint "...happy little clouds..." He's perfect after a stressful day in or out of the studio.

Jerry Yarnell
Jerry is so talented and such an accomplished acrylic painter. I really like his clear instruction and how he condenses and simplifies techniques.

Florent Farges
A very talented French oil painter with some great videos explaining oil painting in an easy-going, refreshing manner with a hint of a very charming French accent. His portrait work is truly remarkable.

Schaefer Art
You must learn to draw before you learn to paint, whether you do realistic, impressionistic or abstract painting. This channel is packed with very good instruction on the art of drawing.

Stefan Baumann
Stefan is an accomplished oil painter and one of the best teachers around. He generously records sessions from his classes not only on oil painting but the nuts and bolts of making good art, using proper tools, best techniques and how to stay focused on your work.

The Artist Network
Great quick videos on wide range of subjects and genres.

Your art should only be about what you want it to be, so remember to choose what feels best to you. But if you are serious and want a level of results you need to have some instruction. You should enjoy the process, welcome the challenges of painting and savor a job well done. Learning how to to work with the remarkable tools available to you as an artist can only add to your technical education and open you up to your passion for painting.  You will not regret it.

In the future I hope to post some tips and techniques on watercolor painting in my blog or on YouTube. I work and exhibit on a regular basis and I do have my share of bad paintings in addition to the great ones. The best journey is not the completed piece, but the process it took to get there.
I'm in the studio most days of the week and happily post my process on Instagram--good days and sometimes the more challenging days, too:
Krys Pettit Artwork

You can see some examples of my art on my website:
Krys Pettit Artist

Krys Pettit Artist: Change and Upheaval

Krys Pettit Artist: Change and Upheaval: No more palm trees in my yard -- spectacular hardwoods and rolling hills  now surround me Relocation has its own particular stress. A ...

Change and Upheaval

No more palm trees in my yard -- spectacular hardwoods and rolling hills  now surround me

Relocation has its own particular stress. A positive exciting time, new places, new opportunities, beautiful topography and a wonderful, dare I say, perfect house.  Such was my artistic life for the last 6 months. Rather than creating art I spent my months packing a house and unpacking a house. I found myself keeping company with  200 plus Uhaul boxes.  Bubble wrap -- certainly enough bubble wrap to encircle the globe at least once.  Rolls and rolls of packing tape.   I hate packing tape but I grew fond of the clear stuff vs the brown stuff as the months went on.

After decades in a warm, tropical climate we realized we had enough of paradise. Or at least paradise as tourists and developers imagined it. So we searched for 3 yrs and found a location that was right and comfortable for our life style. Quiet, surrounded by woods, mountains, lakes, and some darn good wineries.  All the details fell into place over a short period of time.  No worries -- I can pack and coordinate the moving of 2 home offices and an entire house.  Let's just say it all worked out wonderful but stress eating (and occasional day drinking) resulted in a comfy extra 10 pounds.

And now I am here. After 6 months of adjustment I am finally finding my way back to healthy eating and creating art.  

I am fortunate to have a spectacular location, quiet and with great opportunities to show my work in the region. More than that I have two spaces to work in -- a designated area for office cum watercolor studio and a room in a basement of oil and acrylic work where I don't need to worry about whether the paint dripped on the floor.

New work is slowly taking shape - looser, better composed, plus exploring some new methods.  I'm inspired by the local landscape as the seasons make themselves know but am also revisiting old memories that end up on canvas and paper.  

"Late Afternoon Glow" © Krys Pettit, watercolor on gessoed paper, 11"Hx15"W

"Red Bud Season" © Krys Pettit, watercolor on paper, 15"Hx11"W

I have been lucky to become part of a local art coop where I can show my work and was thrilled to be accepted in a state-wide exhibit showing in late summer/fall.

More than anything I am grateful. Grateful to have the means to be in a new location, to be excited by new places and opportunities and to have my life as an artist.  It is, indeed, all good.

Visit my website to see more of my work

https://www.kryspettit.com/

Follow me on Instagram to see work in progress, what inspires me to paint, and the most current examples of my artwork:

kryspettitartwork